Heart of the Mother Road
Seligman, AZ: Birthplace of Route 66
Seligman, AZ: Birthplace of Route 66
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Part of Our Route 66 Everytown Collection – Seligman Edition
Crafted from ultra-soft 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, this unisex jersey tee blends everyday comfort with the proud legacy of the Mother Road. Featuring the slogan "Birthplace of Route 66," it celebrates Seligman, Arizona: a small desert town whose determination helped bring America's most famous highway back to life.
Perfect for Route 66 lovers, nostalgia seekers, or collectors of our exclusive Route 66 Everytown Collection, this tee honors Seligman's pivotal role in preserving a legend.
Shop now at Heart of The Mother Road and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $25.
About Seligman, Arizona: Saving the Mother Road
Founded in 1895 alongside the Santa Fe Railroad, Seligman thrived for decades as a bustling service stop on Route 66. From the 1920s through the mid-20th century, the town's cafés, motels, and trading posts welcomed a steady stream of travelers making the long trek between Chicago and Los Angeles.
But everything changed in 1978 when Interstate 40 bypassed Seligman entirely. The traffic that once sustained the town evaporated almost overnight, and like many Route 66 communities, it faced the very real prospect of fading into history. Sadly, it is a story retold throughout the Mother Road.
That's when one man stepped forward: Angel Delgadillo, a local barber and lifelong resident of Seligman who is affectionately referred to as The Angel of Route 66. Outraged at seeing his town and the Mother Road decline, Angel launched a passionate campaign to preserve and promote the historic highway.
In 1987, he helped found the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, sparking a movement that would spread across all eight states of the route. Thanks to these efforts, Route 66 was officially designated a historic highway, and Seligman earned its title as the "Birthplace of Historic Route 66."
Today, Seligman has fully embraced its role as a living monument to the golden age of American road travel. Angel's original barber shop still stands - now transformed into the vibrant Angel & Vilma Delgadillo’s Route 66 Gift Shop & Visitor Center. Just down the street, the famous Delgadillo's Snow Cap Drive-In (located at 301-AZ-66), founded by Angel's brother Juan in 1953, serves up burgers, shakes, and plenty of humor with every order, making it one of the quirkiest and most beloved roadside stops in the country.
The entire town bursts with colorful storefronts, retro signage, and a contagious sense of joy. Whether you're snapping photos under vintage neon, browsing shops filled with classic souvenirs, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Seligman offers travelers an immersive trip back to the glory days of the Mother Road. More than just a stop, it's a testament to what passion, community spirit, and a deep love of history can achieve.
Product Features:
- 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton for premium softness
- Side seams for added structure and durability
- Tear-away label for comfort
- Classic crew neckline with a flattering unisex fit - true-to-size for all day comfort (see size chart for details)
- Fulfilled in the USA
Care Instructions:
- Machine wash: cold (max 90°F / 30°C)
- Tumble dry: low heat
- Non-chlorine bleach as needed
- Iron or steam: medium heat
- Do not dry clean
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